B12 Deficiency? - Vitamins & Supplements Message Board

The Inquirer · 03-03-2005, 05:52 PM

Does anyone know what might cause a B12 deficiency besides pernicious anemia, stomach problems (such as Crohn's or Celiac Disease), or a poor diet? I've had this problem on and off for several years now and no one seems to know the cause.

Tnanks,
Inq

starrpiano · 03-05-2005, 07:39 PM

I found that taking the wrong type of vitamin B12 supplement can make a big difference. The body has a tough time absorbing vitamin B 12. I have found that the only way I can absorb it is an injection from the doctor or a timed released one or a sublingual one. I buy Great Earth’s or Nature’ Plus.

aupleger · 03-07-2005, 08:39 AM

The vitamin B12 is dependent on your stomach acid for absorption. If you
don't have enough intrinsic factor (one of the "stomach acids") B12 can
not be absorbed. Are you taking prilosec, nexium, aciphex or tagamet
like products? If so, these medications reduce the production of stomach
acid, which will reduce B12 absorption. Liquid forms of vitamins absorb
easier than pill forms, including the B vitamins. Diet plays a big part of
B12 deficiency also. Foods rich in B12 are meat, cheese and dairy products.
If you don't get enough of these foods, you will (or can be) deficient.

The Inquirer · 03-07-2005, 01:11 PM

Thanks for your replies...

I don't eat a ton of meat, but I do eat a lot of dairy. I'm also not on any of the medications you mentioned...This is why I'm so perplexed as to what's causing this to happen....

Veronicaberry · 03-13-2005, 01:12 AM

b 12 is usally because of poor absorbtion not due to not enough ingested. Have your carnitine levels checked. Any disturbance in your genetic metabolic process can cause your b vitamins to be deficient.